Clayton Homes
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Clayton Homes, a component company of Berkshire Hathaway, is the United States' largest manufacturer of manufactured housing. The company is vertically integrated; it builds, sells, finances, leases, and insures manufactured and modular homes. Clayton's corporate headquarters are in Maryville, Tennessee. It operates 35 manufacturing plants in the United States and markets its products in 49 states through 448 company-owned retail outlets and more than 1300 independent retailers.[1][2] Its subsidiary Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., specializes in mortgages for manufactured homes, providing more than $11.0 billion in loans for more than 275,000 customers. Another subsidiary provides insurance for 160,000 families.[1]

The company was founded by Jim Clayton in 1966. The company went public in 1983, trading on the New York Stock Exchange.[3] It was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in 2003 for $1.7 billion[4] Kevin T. Clayton, son of the founder, is current President and CEO.[2]

According to its website, Clayton owns and operates 68 manufactured housing communities and 12 subdivisions[1]. However, in July 2007 Clayton contracted to sell 65 manufactured housing communities in 11 states.[5] They produce homes under the brand names of Cavalier Homes, Clayton Homes, Crest Homes, Gideon Homes, Giles Industries, Golden West Homes, Karsten Company, Marlette Homes, Oakwood Homes, Schult Homes and Southern Energy Homes.

Clayton manufactures one- and two-story homes that range from 500 sq ft (46 m2). to 2,400 sq ft (220 m2). in floor area and from $40,000 to more than $100,000 in price.[2]

We´ve helped people just like you buy manufactured homes since 1934, building more than 1.5 million homes and winning multiple awards for design and construction. We build, sell, finance, lease and insure manufactured and modular homes as well as relocatable commercial and educational buildings. We have 12,000 team members, 35 home building facilities and more than 1,800 home centers. We also finance more than 325,000 customers and insure 160,000 families. Clayton Homes also owns and operates 18 subdivisions. In 2003, Warren Buffett and Berkshire-Hathaway, Inc. acquired Clayton Homes.

2003
Attracting the attention of Mr. Buffett.

Clayton becomes part of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., the holding company founded by legendary businessman Warren Buffett. The merger broadened Clayton’s lending stability and ensured access to financing for homeowners. Joining forces with Buffett meant big things for the future, but it also kept Clayton’s local roots intact, with management, headquarters and 7,000 loyal team members staying in place.